thought, will result from supposing that the outlines of the allotment of a nation were extensive, and that they were filled up, by the families of that nation. The location of some of the settlements may appear too hypothetical, and the description of their probable boundaries, in some cases, too tedious; yet the plan has been pursued, from a conviction that more may be gained than lost by it. These remarks, it will be understood, relate particularly to the Geography of the Patriarchal age.

In forming this summary of Biblical Geography, the compiler has made free use, in every way that seemed best to answer his views, of the valuable works of the following authors-Wells, Taylor, Calmet, Paxton, Carpenter, Iahn, Horn, D. Anville, and S. Butler.

As the limits of the eastern continent, or what is called the old world, include all that pertains to Biblical Geography; and as some information concerning its physical condition, and present divisions, is essential, profitably, to commence the study of the geography of the Bible; so a compendious view of the present geographical state of that portion of the earth, is added to this ab. stract, that those who have not made themselves acquainted with common geography, may, without turning to other books, obtain such a knowledge of it, as not to be wholly unprepared to engage in learning the geography of the sacred scriptures.

A word may be added concerning maps-One, adapted to the Geography of the Patriarchal age, will be found in this volume

V

For the other parts of the Biblical Geography, the Bible Atlas engraved by Richard Palmer, and published in London, 1823, is particularly recommended-but the maps contained in many Bibles, Commentaries, Sacred Histories, and Books of Reference; and in almost any Atlas of Sacred Geography may be profitably used.* With respect to the Modern Geography of Europe, Asia, and Africa, any modern maps of these countries will afford all the assistance that is needed.

*The maps in the English Version of the Polyglot Bible, published at Boston, 1833, are very suitable; and so are those contained in Robinson's Calmet. By adding a map of Palestine, formed for general use, to the Ancient Atlas of Mrs. Willard, the great object of maps, in relation to this work, may be in a good measure obtained.

INTRODUCTION.

THE term Geography is from the Greek words GE, earth, and GRAPHO, I write-and it means a treatise

concerning the earth, or more particularly, a description of the divisions, or parts of the earth's surface, and of their relative position.

Geogra

phy-Its meaning.

Geography.

By Biblical Geography is meant a description of Biblical those places, on the earth, that are mentioned in the Bible.

A knowledge of Biblical Geography, besides afford. Its use. ing satisfaction to the student of scripture, will help him to fix, in his memory, the events recorded in the Bible; and to discover peculiar fitness, beauty, and force, in many passages contained in the sacred volume.

vided.

Biblical Geography may be divided into three parts- How diPatriarchal, Jewish, and Christian.

I. PATRIARCHAL.-By this is meant an account of Patriarchal the original location of the first families of our race; and of countries, kingdoms, and cities, up to the time, when the Isaelites took possession of the Promised Land.

Jewish.

II. JEWISH. This may be considered, as containing

an account of the divisions of the Promised Land, at different times; and of its physical condition.

Christian. III. CHRISTIAN.-By this may be understood, a description of the countries, and kingdoms, mentioned in the New Testament, as they existed in the days of Christ, and his apostles-or the Geography of the New Testament.

Land.

Isle.

GEOGRAPHICAL USE OF WORDS.

I. LAND. This is used in several senses

1. It sometimes means, the whole continent of earth, as distinguished from sea-"Ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte," Mat. xxiii. 15.

2. Sometimes it means, a region of greater or less extent- —“The Lord liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north," Jer. xvi. 15.

3. And sometimes it means, a particular district, inhabited by a certain nation, tribe, or family-" And Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian," Exod. ii. 15.

II. ISLAND, or ISLE.-This has different meanings

1. It is used to denote dry land, in opposition to water— "I will make the rivers islands, and will dry up the pools," Isa. xlii. 15.